Scheherazade A. Wasty, Member of the Firm in the Litigation and Health Care & Life Sciences practice, in the firm’s Newark and Princeton offices, was featured in the Law.com article, “How I Made Partner: 'You Want to Be Someone That Partners Can Count On,'” by Tasha Norman. (Read the full version – subscription required.)
Following is an excerpt:
What advice would you give an associate who wants to make partner?
Aside from working hard, I would advise young associates to develop relationships with senior lawyers who will take an interest in their professional development. The most meaningful mentoring relationships happen organically. I would also advise young associates to seek opportunities to work on a variety of matters and with a variety of partners. If asked to perform a task, the answer should generally be yes. Even if you are busy, you should try to make the time. By doing this you open yourself up to new opportunities and new relationships. You want to be someone that partners can count on and develop a reputation for producing excellent work product.
If making partner is one of your goals, then I think it is important to understand the criteria that the firm will use in deciding whom will become a partner. Having this conversation as a third- or fourth-year associate, either with a mentor or another partner with whom you have worked, will give you an idea of what you need to work on. I also think checking in with your partner or mentor on whether you are progressing toward partnership at the right pace, and taking on the tasks appropriate to your level of experience, is invaluable. These types of candid conversations will not only shed light on what you do well, but, more importantly, on what you need to improve.
